Ghana Travel Guide

Akwaaba — the warm and friendly people of Ghana — are always ready to welcome visitors with a smile. This country may not have big, world-renowned attractions like other nations, but its sun-bathed coastline, beautiful resort towns, exotic locations, and up-and-coming capital city are reason enough to keep coming back. Accra City is among the most interesting African capitals to explore, boasting excellent sightseeing and a superb location beside the Atlantic Ocean. The Volta region to the east is a scenic paradise, home to a great mix of wildlife, thick forests and majestic mountains.

From marvelous heritage sites to sprawling natural playgrounds and sparkling coasts, Ghana is a destination for adventurous travelers. Accra city is home to an exciting marketplace with a maze of traders selling all kinds of souvenirs. Makola Market is another sight to see, especially for bargain hunters who delight in the frenzy. Oceanfront towns welcome you to the paradise that is Ghana.

Accra may be the center of commerce and the place to explore history, but if you are looking to immerse yourself in local culture, head to Kumasi. It is home to the Ashanti people, who are famous not only for their indigenous traditions, but for their unique crafts. The beaches of Accra attract the biggest crowds; while the sprawling resorts of Labadi and Bojo are frequented by both tourists and locals alike.

Nature expeditions are common in Ghana, especially in the central region where you will find must-see destinations like Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. If you are feeling adventurous, head to the beautiful Mole National Park in the north, which boasts rich populations of African elephants, exotic birds and other wildlife.

History resonates in many important landmarks. The Pikworo Slave Camp in Nania Paga is one of the most heart-wrenching reminders of the slave trade. Ghana also has its share of World Heritage sites like Cape Coast Castle. Not far from this iconic structure is the ocean-fringed town of Elmina where another slave trade legacy can be found—Elmina Castle. Unlike other African nations, Ghana is keen on preseving its culture and as a result, the government gives financial priority to numerous museums, visitor centers and exhibits, all of which offer a glimpse into the country's past.

Ghana is blessed with a more stable economy than most of its neighbors, evident in its developed cities. Accommodation choices vary throughout the country and range from lavish hotels to rustic guesthouses. Camping in the national parks is a great way to sleep under the stars and Shai Hills, Aburi, Akropong, and some beach areas provide a memorable experience.

A wealth of transportation options abound. In the cities, there are extensive bus and taxi networks to take you to desired attractions in Ghana, while minibuses, or trotros, and mammy wagons are exciting ways to travel. Rail, water and air connections are available to get between towns with regular service from major cities and intervening areas. Domestic flights between Tamale, Kumasi and Accra are available from Ktoka International Airport in Accra, the main international air hub.

Highlights

Go on a wildlife safari at Mole National Park and spot monkeys at Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

Take a walking tour around the historic slave trade camp in Bolgatanga Municipal District

Admire the World Heritage site Cape Coast Castle

Soak in the stunning beach resorts along the Atlantic, like Accra’s Labadi and Bojo

Sightsee around the meteor-formed Lake Bosumtwi and the marvelous Kintampo Waterfalls

Discover history and culture in well-kept museums like the Upper East Regional Museum and the National Museum of Ghana